The JoJo Siwa rebrand has taken the internet by storm. On Monday, April 1, the star shocked fans by wearing a sheer bodysuit and black face paint to the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards. The look marked a huge change from the rainbow attire she’s become known for over the years. It’s meant to tease her mature new single “Karma.” Since the Dance Moms alum is transitioning toward a more adult look and sound, Siwa compared herself to Miley Cyrus when she abandoned her Disney persona with Bangerz. Her comment has since stuck a nerve among Cyrus’ fans, who fail to see the similarities.
JoJo Siwa Rebrand Draws Criticism
Siwa opened up about her new era while walking the red carpet at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards. During an interview with Access Hollywood, the Nickelodeon alum said she hopes her rebrand to an adult pop star will make as much of a splash as Cyrus’ Bangerz era.
[Miley Cyrus] is my number one idol. I want to do what she did with Bangerz. I want to have that moment. And I mean, look, I’m flattered that the world even can compare that. That’s crazy to me.
JoJo Siwa
After rising to fame on Hannah Montana, Cyrus began breaking out of her Disney image with her third album, Can’t Be Tamed, in 2010. However, it wasn’t until she released Bangerz in 2013 that Cyrus truly transitioned into an adult pop star. During that era, the singer sparked controversy with her more provocative outfits and explicit lyrics. Over a decade since then, Bangerz is seen as Cyrus’ most iconic era.
Since the album had such a big impact on pop culture, Cyrus’ fans criticized the JoJo Siwa rebrand comparisons. They commented things like “JoJo will never be Miley” and “only Miley can do Miley.” Many also thought Siwa’s new look was “giving KISS” or a “WWE wrestler” rather than Bangerz.
Siwa’s new single “Karma” will drop on Friday, April 5. Watch a teaser for the music video below: